Social and Behavioral Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowships

SBSB research addresses multiple aspects of health, health-related behaviors, and health equity throughout the life course by investigating novel social, behavioral, and environmental determinants of health in population-based observational and experimental studies. Postdoctoral fellowships are available within the research groups led by Dr. Bobby Cheon, Dr. Stephen Gilman, and Dr. Tonja Nansel. Fellows will have access to rich, population-based datasets addressing health-related behaviors in children and families and the social determinants of child development and mental health, and will have the opportunity to participate in our Branch’s ongoing field studies that focus on:

• Mechanisms underlying socioeconomic and racial/ethnic disparities in child development
• Health and health-related behaviors during the transition from adolescence to young adulthood
• Eating behaviors and diet during pregnancy, postpartum and early childhood
• Role of psychological processes in disparities in health and health-relevant behaviors In addition to conducting independent research and publishing in peer-reviewed journals, fellows contribute to mentoring postbaccalaureate fellows, participate in career development activities, present their research at national scientific meetings, and develop new projects that become the basis for transition to independence K99/R00 awards.

Candidates with superior analytic, written, and oral communication skills; research interests aligned with areas currently under investigation in SBSB; and a strong commitment to promoting a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workplace are encouraged to apply. Before starting their fellowship, postdoctoral fellows in SBSB must have completed the requirements for their doctoral degree in the social and behavioral sciences or closely related field (e.g., psychology, epidemiology, public health, medicine, nutrition, behavioral economics, behavioral neuroscience, sociology) and must have no more than 5 years of research experience since receipt of their doctoral degree. Applications from women, persons from groups underrepresented in biomedical research, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged. Prospective applicants are encouraged to reach out to SBSB’s principal investigators to discuss fellowship opportunities.

Selection for this position will be based solely on merit, with no discrimination for non-merit reasons such as race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, age, or membership or non-membership in an employee organization. The NIH encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.